THE  LIBRARY 
OF 

THE  UNIVERSITY 
OF  CALIFORNIA 
LOS  ANGELES 


Digitized  by  tine  Internet  Archive 
in  2014 


https://archive.org/details/songsofsoulOOswam 


SONGS  OF  THE  SOUL 


By 

SWAMI  YOGANANDA,  A.B. 
Of  India 


Founder  of 

Ranchi  and  Pari  Brahmacharya  Residential  Schools  in  India 
Sal  Sanga  (Fellowship  with  Truth) ,  Boston 

Sat  Sanga  Summer  School,  Waltham 
Vice-President:  SADHU  SABHA,  India 
Delegate  from  India  to  International  Congress  of  Religions 
Boston,  1920 

Author  of 
"Science  of  Religion,"  etc. 


PUBLISHED  BY  SAT  SANGA 
30  HUNTINGTON  AVENUE,  BOSTON 
1923 


CopyrigMcd,  1923,  by  Swami  Yogananda,  Boston.  Mass. 


Everett  Printing  Service,  Boston 


CONTENTS 
PART  I 

Consecration   7 

Soul  Is  Marching  On   8 

They  Are  Thine   10 

Thou  in  Me   11 

Thy  Call   12 

One  That 's  Everywhere   14 

Whispers   15 

In  Me   16 

Too  Near   18 

Evasion   19 

Thy  Cruel  Silence   20 

/  Am  Here   21 

Where  I  Am    23 

One  Friend   25 

Flower  Offering    26 

The  Tattered  Dress   27 

Thy  Secret  Throne   28 

Methought  I  Heard  a  Voice   30 

A  Milk-White  Sail   32 

The  Harvest   33 

The  Splinters  of  Thy  Love   34 

For  Thee  and  Thine    35 

PART  II 

Wake,  Wake,  My  Sleeping  Hunger,  Wake  .   .  39 

Eternity    41 

Vanishing  Bubbles   42 


513893 

UB  SETS 


CONTENTS 


Variety   44 

The  Blood  of  Rose   47 

At  the  Roots  of  Eternity   48 

Undying  Beauty   49 

The  Noble  New   51 

Protecting  Thorns   52 

Tattered  Garment   53 

In  Stillness  Dark    54 

Nature's  Nature   56 

My  Kinsmen   61 

Om    64 

Mystery   66 

Silence   68 

It's  All  Unknown   70 

At  the  Fountain  of  Song   72 

The  Ever- New   74 

The  Ever-Trodden  Path   76 

The  Human  Mind   77 

The  Cup  of  Eternity    79 

A  Mirror  New   81 

The  Spell   82 

PART  III 

My  Native  Land   85 

On  Coming  to  the  New-Old  Land  of  America  87 

The  Toiler's  Lay   89 

City  Drum   91 

PART  IV 

Foreword   95 

Vision  of  Visions   97 


PART  I 


CONSECRATION 


At  Thy  feet  I  come  to  shower 

All  my  full  heart's  rhyming  flower, 

Of  Thy  breath  born. 

By  Thy  love  grown. 

With  my  lonely  seeking  found. 

By  hands  Thou  gavest  picked  and  bound; — 

For  Thee  the  sheaves 

Within  these  leaves: — 

Of  my  life's  season 

The  choicest  flowers, 

With  petals  soulful  spread. 

Their  humble  perfume  shed; — 

Hands  folded  now  I  come  to  give 

What's  Thine — receive! 


[7] 


SONGS  OF  THE  SOUL 


SOUL  IS  MARCHING  ON 

The  shining  stars  are  sunk  in  darkness, 
The  weary  sun  is  dead  at  night, 
The  moon's  soft  smile  doth  fade  anon, — 
But  still  my  soul  is  marching  on. 

The  grinding  wheel  of  Time  has  crushed 
Full  many  a  life  of  moon  and  stars 
And  many  a  brightly  smiling  morn; — 
But  still  my  soul  is  marching  on. 

The  flowers  bloomed,  then  hid  in  gloom. 
The  bounty  of  the  trees  did  cease. 
Colossal  men  have  come  and  gone; — 
But  still  my  soul  is  marching  on. 

The  aeons  one  by  one  are  flying, — 
The  arrows  one  by  one  are  lost. 
Dimly,  slowly  life  is  fading, — 
But  still  my  soul  is  marching  on. 


[8] 


SONGS  OF  THE  SOUL 


Darkness,  death,  and  failures  vied, — 
To  block  my  path  they  fiercely  tried; 
My  fight  with  jealous  Nature's  strong; — 
But  still  my  soul  is  marching  on. 


[9] 


SONGS  OF  THE  SOUL 


THEY  ARE  THINE 

I  have  nothing  to  offer  Thee, 

For  all  things  are  Thine; 

I  grieve  not  that  I  can  not  give, 

For  nothing  is  mine,  for  nothing  is  mine: 

Here  I  lay  at  Thy  feet 

My  limbs,  my  life,  my  thoughts  and  speech. 
For  they  are  Thine,  for  they  are  Thine. 


[10] 


SONGS  OF  THE  SOUL 


THOU  IN  ME 
When  I  smile 

Thou  dost  smile  through  me; 
When  I  cry 

In  me  Thou  dost  weep, 

When  I  wake 

Thou  greetest  me. 

When  I  walk 

Thou  art  with  me. 

Thou  dost  smile  and  weep, 

Thou  dost  wake  and  walk 

Like  me;  my  Likeness  Thou: 

But  when  I  dream, 

Thou  art  awake; 

When  I  stumble. 

Thou  art  sure; 

When  I  die 

Thou  art  my  life. 


[  11  ] 


SONGS  OF  THE  SOUL 


THY  CALL 

When  lost  I  roam 

I  hear  Thy  call  to  home — 

In  whistling  breeze 

Or  rustling  leaves  of  trees. 

When  drunk  in  folly 

I  wander  gaily 

By  the  sandy  shore, — 

Who  wakes  me  with  a  sudden  roar? 

When  clouds  do  spread  •&  veil 
My  precious  joy  to  steal, — 
Who  tears  the  sheet  away 
To  burst  in  redd'ning  ray? 

When  dark  night  blinds, 

And  my  movements  binds, — 

Who  shows  my  path  and  th'  dark  beguiles 

With  mildly  mocking  moonlit  smiles? 


[12] 


SONGS  OF  THE  SOUL 


The  million  starry  stares. 
The  waking  sunny  glares, 
The  river's  ever-murmuring  air 
Thy  sure  and  silent  call  declare. 


[13] 


SONGS  OF  THE  SOUL 


ONE  THAT'S  EVERYWHERE 

The  tree  sighs. 
The  wind  plays, 
The  sun  smiles. 
The  river  moves; 

Feigning  dread  the  sky  is  blushing  red 

At  the  creeping  sun's  gentle  tread. 

The  earth  changes  robes 

Of  black  and  star-lit  night 

For  dazzling  silver  light. 

Dame  Nature  loves  herself  t'  array 

In  changing  seasons'  colors  gay; 

The  murmuring  brook  e'er  tries  to  tell 

In  lisping  sounds  so  well 

Of  the  hidden  thought 

By  inner  spirit  brought. 

The  birds  aspire  to  sing 

Of  things  unknown  that  swell  within. 

But  man  first  speaks  in  language  true 

Both  loud  and  clear,  with  meaning  new. 

Of  what  all  else  before 

Had  failed  to  full  declare: — 

Of  One  That's  everywhere. 

[14] 


SONGS  OF  THE  SOUL 


WHISPERS 

Leaves  do  sigh, 

They  can  not  speak 

Of  One  That 's  high. 

The  birds  do  scream, 

They  can  not  sing 

What  in  their  bosom  springs. 

The  beasts  do  howl 

In  sadness  foul, 

They  can  never  say  as  nigh 

As  doth  in  their  feelings  lie. 

Since  I  can  sing  or  say  or  cry 

I  will  mighty  try 

To  pour  out  whispers  Thine, — one  and  each 
That  to  heart  doth  softly  reach. 


[  15] 


SONGS  OF  THE  SOUL 


IN  ME 

Hello,  Yonder  Tree! 

Thou  dost  breathe  in  me,  in  me; 

0  Fast-footed  River! 

Thy  shining  meandering  quiver 

Declares  itself 

Through  myself; 

Thou  dost  shine  through  me,  in  me. 
0  Huge  Himalaya 

With  snowy  sovereign  white  regalia! 

In  my  mind  doth  rest  thy  throne — 
Thy  home 
In  me,  in  me. 

O  Ocean!  endless  to  the  eye 

In  boundless  stretches  thou  dost  lie; 

But  to  me  thou  art  small: 

A  tiny  drop  upon  a  ball, — 

Thou  art  in  me,  in  me. 

0  Endless  Sky! 
So  vast  to  eye, — 
In  some  brighter  age  or  day 
When  I'll  cast  my  cares  away 

[  16] 


SONGS  OF  THE  SOUL 


On  thee  will  sail  my  better  boat,  bright  and  gay, 

On  to  thy  shore 

To  find,  I'm  sure, 

Thy  border  land  —  in  me. 

O  Distant  Heav'ns! 

O  Secret  One  and  Angels  Seven! 

In  my  sphere  you  all  I  see. 

In  me,  in  me,  in  me! 


[17] 


SONGS  OF  THE  SOUL 


TOO  NEAR 

I  stood  in  silence 

To  worship  Thee 

In  the  temple  large 

With  blue  etheric  dome, 

Lighted  by  the  spangling  stars. 

Shining  with  the  lustrous  moon. 

Tapestried  with  the  golden  clouds, 

Where  reigns  no  dogma  loud. 

I  prayed  and  waited 

For  Thee  to  come.    I  cried, — 

Thou  didst  not  come. 

I  will  wait  no  more, 

Nor  send  my  feeble  prayer 

Footsteps  Thine  to  hear, — 

They  are  not  heard  without. 

In  me  Thou  art, — too  near. 


[18] 


SONGS  OF  THE  SOUL 


EVASION 

When  I  do  almost  see  Thee 

Thou  dost  suddenly  vanish; 

When  Thou  art  almost  trapped  in  me 

I  find  Thee  gone. 

When  I  think  I  have  seized  Thee 

Thou  dost  most  escape. 

How  long  this  hide  and  seek,  and  play? 

I  am  weary  with  the  toil  of  the  day; 

Still  I  may  brook  this  evasion  Thine 

If  'tis  for  a  tiny  flash  of  time, 

That  in  the  end  I  may  see 

Thy  face  with  doubled  joy  and  mind  more  free. 


[19] 


SONGS  OF  THE  SOUL 


THY  CRUEL  SILENCE 

I  prayed  to  Thee 

But  Thou  wert  mute, 

At  Thy  door  I  knocked, 

Thou  answered'st  not, 

I  gave  my  tears 

To  soft'n  Thy  heart; 

In  cruel  silence 

Didst  Thou  watch. 

But  now  I  learn 

The  way  to  earn 

Attention  Thine: 

I'll  weep  and  pray 

Unceasingly — 

In  cruel  silence — 

Till  time  is  old. 

And  earth  grows  cold, 

Till  life  doth  fail, 

Till  body  fall; 

Then  if  Thou  speak'st 

And  dost  wish  me  peace; — 

Still  I  will  pray  and  weep 

In  cruel  silence  deep. 

[20] 


SONGS  OF  THE  SOUL 


I  AM  HERE 

I  roamed  alone  by  ocean's  shore 
And  watched :  the  wrestling,  brawling  waves  did 
roar 

Alive  with  Thy  own  restless  Life. 

Thy  angry  mood  and  ripply  quiver. 

Thy  wrathful  vastness  made  me  shiver; 

I  turned  away  from  heated  strife. — 

A  kindly  waving  tree 

Caught  my  roving  eye  so  free 

To  comfort  me  with  gentler  look  sublime 

That  I  did  feel  was  Thine. — 

I  saw  the  gaugeless  mystic  sky, 

And  down  its  valley  dark  I  ran  to  pry 

At  Thee,  and  play  with  Thee ; — 

I  failed  to  find  Thy  hiding  Body, 

Yet  I  felt  everywhere 

That  Thou  wert  always  near, 

Playing  at  hide  and  seek  with  me, — 

Receding  when  I  almost  touched  Thee 

As  to  find  Thee  I  groped  blindfold — 

In  ignorant  darkness  old. 

[continued] 

[21  1 


SONGS  OF  THE  SOUL 


I  left  my  search  in  dim  despair; 

Thou  Royal,  Sly  Eluder! — 

In  haste  I  hied  away  from  Thee 

And  I  retired  within  me: 

When  lo!  some  Unseen  Hand 

Did  quickly  snatch  away  the  all-black  band 

That  did  my  eyes  enfold 

That  were  so  numb  and  cold. 

And  in  troth  I  felt  quite  keen: 

Someone  beside  me  stood  unseen 

And  whispered  to  me,  cool  and  clear, 

"Hello,  playmate,  I  am  here!" 


[22] 


SONGS  OF  THE  SOUL 


WHERE  I  AM 

Not  the  lordly  domes  on  high 

With  tall  heads  daring  clouds  and  sky, 

Nor  alabaster  shining  floors, 

Nor  the  rich  organ's  awesome  roar, 

Nor  rainbowed  windows'  beauty  quaint 

With  colossal  chronicles  told  in  paint, 

Nor  torch  nor  incense'  curling  soar. 

Nor  gay-dressed  children  of  the  choir, 

Nor  well-planned  sermon. 

Nor  loud-tongued  prayer 

Can  call  Me  there. 

The  richly  carven  door, 

Through  which  all  pomp  and  pride  pour, 

I  deign  not  through  to  go; — 

But  still  I  come  Incognito. 

The  stony,  polished  altar 

Or  narrow  builded  sermon  seat 

Too  narrow  seems  to  hold 

My  large,  large  Body  for  retreat. 

A  humble  magnet-call. 


]23] 


SONGS  OF  THE  SOUL 


A  whisper  by  the  broo  k 

On  grassy  altar  small — 

There  I  have  my  nook: — 

A  crumbling  temple  shrine, 

A  little  place  unseen, 

Unwatched,  unhedged, 

Is  where  I  humbly  rest  and  lean : 

A  sacred  heart 

Tear  washed  and  true 

Doth  draw  me  with  its  rue. 

I  take  no  bribe 

Of  strength  or  wealth 

Of  caste  or  church  or  scribe. 

Of  fame  or  faith  or  festive  breath. 

But  wail  for  truth; 

And  e'er  the  broken  distant  heart 

Doth  draw  Me  e'en  to  heathen  lands. 

And  My  help  in  silence  I  impart. 


[24] 


SONGS  OF  THE  SOUL 


ONE  FRIEND 

Many  clouds  do  race  to  hide  Thee — 
Of  friends  and  wealth  and  fame — 
And  yet  through  mist  of  tears  I  see 
Appear  Thy  Golden  Name. 
Each  time  my  father,  mother,  friends 
Do  loudly  claim  they  did  me  tend, 
I  wake  from  sleep  to  sweetly  hear 
That  Thou  alone  didst  help  me  here. 


[25] 


SONGS  OF  THE  SOUL 


FLOWER  OFFERING 

A  goblet  of  my  folly-blood 

Is  humbly  set  beneath  Thy  Petal  Feet, — 

0,  Lotus  Sweet! 
I've  stood  with  tears  seeking  Thine  angry  thirst 
to  quench, — 

With  sandal  sweet,  with  motely  cos- 
tumed flowers. 
With  devotion's  perfume  from  my  heart 
of  heart. 

With    myrrh    of   constancy    my  soul 
imparts — 

To  worship  Thee.    Unheard  is  my  lay, — 
And  for  naught  I  pray, — 
But  with  sleepless  care 
I  '11  lay  my  flower  there. 


[26] 


SONGS  OF  THE  SOUL 


THE  TATTERED  DRESS 

I  see  Thy  Magic  Hands  of  Death 

Snatch  away  in  stealth 

And  change  the  tattered  dress. 

Which  fondly  men  caress 

With  blind  attachment. 

Into  soul-sheen  habiliment, — 

This  newly  given  robe — 

That  shines  with  all  the  beauties  of  Thy  globe. 


[27] 


SONGS  OF  THE  SOUL 


THY  SECRET  THRONE 

Behind  the  screen 

Of  all  things  seen 

How  dost  Thou  hide, — 

Elude  the  tide 

Of  marching  human  eyes, 

That  'round  Thee  rushing  hies? 

'Twill  not  be  long 

Ere  will  be  known 

Thy  hiding  place 

By  children  with  Thine  eyes  and  grace. 

Sage  science  splits  ^ 

Each  atom  knit 

By  Thee,  to  find  apace 

Thy  hiding  place. 

Is  heart  of  atom, — electron, 

Thy  secret  throne? 

Deep  we  bore 

To  find  Thy  art,  and  lore 

Of  doings  all  sublime; 

E'er  hidden  betimes. 


[28] 


SONGS  OF  THE  SOUL 


Yet  Thy  abode 
Seems  far  remote; 
'Tis  still  to  fmd 
With  deeper  mind. 


[29] 


SONGS  OF  THE  SOUL 


METHOUGHT  I  HEARD  A  VOICE 

Singing  by  the  rill 
My  voice  doth  thrill 
With  echoes  of  my  thought 
By  fancies  brought. 

I  wandered  in  my  play 
On  faerie  fields  away; 
I  stopped  to  muse,  rejoice; — 
Methought  I  heard  a  voice! 

The  flowers  of  that  field 
Of  wondrous  hues, — perfumed 
With  essence  of  the  heart — did  yield 
Delicious  joys  undreamed. 

Behind  the  thin  bright  veil 
Of  scented  feelings 
I  saw  some  fitful  flash : 
Some  Glistening  Presence  rush. 


[30] 


SONGS  OF  THE  SOUL 


I  tiptoe  stood, 
Listening,  watching; 
I  poured  my  heart, 
Listening,  watching. 


[31  ] 


SONGS  OF  THE  SOUL 


A  MILK-WHITE  SAIL 

A  milk  white,  tiny  sail 

Skims  fast  across  my  sea;  I  wail 

The  threatening  storms  to  see; — 

But  my  bark  glides  free  toward  the  lee, 

So  near  the  shore 

And  safe  from  the  angry  roar. 


[32 


SONGS  OF  THE  SOUL 


THE  HARVEST 

Drawn  by  joy  sublime 

I  watch  each  harvest  time, 

When  the  sky  glows  red  with  ripe  sunbeams; 

Oh,  ne'er  before  had  I  found  Thy  ploughing  teams. 

The  oriole's  painted,  glowing  breast  is  shown, 

Yet  Thy  brush,  0  Painter,  ne'er  is  known. 

The  north  star  timely  leaps. 

And  its  nocturnal  watch  unfailing  keeps; 

The  sun  and  seasons  Thy  house  supervise. 

Yet  Thou,  0  Master,  seemest  not  to  rise! 


[33  ] 


SONGS  OF  THE  SOUL 


THE  SPLINTERS  OF  THY  LOVE 

The  splinters  of  Thy  love 
Lie  strewn  in  many  a  heart: 
The  little  fragments  of  Thy  love, 
Descended  from  far  above, 

I  find  spread  here  and  there,  and  charm'd  I  start 
To  seize  all  and  with  care  collect. 
I  feel  as  I  reflect 

That  I  have  certes  seen  somewhere 

Thy  whole  unbroken  love  that's  everywhere; 

And  with  devotion  strong 

I  weld  my  varied  collection 

Of  tiny  bits  of  parental,  friendly  love  in  one 

To  match  it  with  Thy  own. 


[34] 


SONGS  OF  THE  SOUL 


FOR  THEE  AND  THINE 

I  love  to  seek 
What's  mine. 
I  think,  I  act — 
I  work  with  tact 
To  gain  what's  mine. 

I  pass  by  th'  river 

In  joyous  quiver 

To  soothe  this  mind  of  mine. 

I  smell  the  flowers 

To  cheer  the  hours, — 

I  love  to  have  what's  mine. 

I  sip  the  gold  sunshine 

To  warm  this  flesh  of  mine. 

I  drink  the  fresh  and  flowing  air, 

For  me  I  lift  my  prayer, 

I  try  to  rake 

The  world  to  take 

All  things  for  me  and  mine. — 

[continued] 


[35] 


SONGS  OF  THE  SOUL 


Those  dark  days  are  gone, — 

The  old  time 's  flown, 

So  lived  for  me  and  mine; — 

In  new-born  light 

I  see  what's  right, — 

To  live  for  Thee  and  Thine. 


[36] 


PART  II 


I. 


WAKE,  WAKE  MY  SLEEPING  HUNGER, 

WAKE! 


When  tables  large  of  earth  and  moon  and  meteors, 

Of  brooks  and  rills,  of  shining  ether  ore 

Are  laid  with  wondrous  One  Nectar, 

Stolen  from  nature's  nooks  by  lars, — 

Do  thou  thy  sullen  sleep  forsake; — 

Wake,  wake  my  sleeping  Hunger,  wake! 

Through  diverse  paths  of  aeons  thou  hast  cried, 
For  a  morsel  of  manna  begged  and  tried; 
But  now  thou  sleepest,  dazed  and  tired,  on  leer 
Undried  lie  drops  of  fresh-wept  tears 
While  nectar  touches  thy  lips, — partake, — 
Wake,  wake  my  sleeping  Hunger,  wake! 

This  unquenched  hunger  old  of  mine 
Did  eat  all  food  and  yet  did  pine, — 
Was  starved  with  surfeit  and  it  sought 
How  might  its  yearn'd-for  food  be  got. 

[continued] 


[39] 


SONGS  OF  THE  SOUL 


The  food  for  which  thou  wept'st  awaits, — par- 
take!— 

Wake,  wake  my  sleeping  Hunger,  wake! 

Friends  and  wealth  and  fancy's  rarest  treat, 
Posthumous  wishes  sprung  from  deathless  roots 
so  sweet 

Did  fail  to  feed  thy  heart's  true  crave 
And  burned  with  thousand  flaming  waves 
The  nectar  sought  for  seeks  thee  now; — par- 
take,— 

Wake,  wake  my  sleeping  Hunger,  wake! 

My  hunger  burned  and  wept  to  drink 

The  mysteries  by  life's  bare  brink, — 

Ambrosial  fount  that  sleep  beneath 

The  mystery  caves  on  soil  of  truth: 

Weep  more  drops,  nay  streams — oceans — of  tears, 

Thy  duty  is  for  peace  to  weep;  thy  only  care 

To  seek  thy  work;  and  all  thy  food 

Be  what  doth  nourish  thy  mood; 

Thy  work  is  done,  thy  nectar's  here, — 

Quench,  quench  the  eternal  ache! — 

Wake,  wake  my  sleeping  Hunger,  wake! 


[40] 


SONGS  OF  THE  SOUL 


ETERNITY 

Oh,  will  that  day  arrive 

When  I  shall  ceaselessly  ask,  and  drive 

Eternal  questions 
Into  Thine  ear,  0  Eternity,  and  await  solution 
As  to  how  weak  weeds  do  grow  and  stand  unbent, 
Unshak'n  beneath  the  trampling  current; 
How  the  storm  did  wreck  titanic  things,  rooted 

trees. 

And  quick  disturbed  the  mighty  seas; 
How  the  first  spark  blinked,  and  the  first  tree, 
The  first  goldfish,  the  first  blue  bird  so  free 
And  the  first  crooning  baby 

In  this  wonder  house  made  their  visit  and  entry. 

They  come,  I  see; 

Their  growth  alone  I  watch; 

Thy  Cosmic  Moulding  Hand 

That  secret  works  on  land  and  seas 

I  wish  to  seize, 

0  Eternity! 


[41  ] 


SONGS  OF  THE  SOUL 


VANISHING  BUBBLES 

Many  unknown  bubbles  float  and  flow, 
Many  ripples  dance  by  me 
And  melt  away  in  sea. 

I  like  to  know,  ah,  whence  they  come  or  whither 
go— 

The  rain  drops  and  dies, 
My  thoughts  play  wild  and  vanish  quick, 
The  red  clouds  melt  in  skies; 
I  stake  my  purse  or  slave  all  life  their  motive 
still  to  seek. 

Some  friends,  though  not  their  love. 
Some  dearest  thoughts  I  ne'er  would  lose,  I  said. 
And  last  night's  surest  stars,  seen  just  above, — 
All,  all  are  fled. 

The  crowds  of  lilies,  the  linnet. 
Perfumed  blossoms,  honey-mad  bees. 
Did  meet  on  yonder  bowered  trees; 
Now  the  lonesome  field  alone  is  left. 


[42] 


SONGS  OF  THE  SOUL 


The  bubbles,  lilies,  friends,  dramatic  thoughts — 

They  all  their  part  did  play  and  entertain. 

And  now  beneath  the  grassy  screen,  to  change 

their  displayed  coats. 
They  quiet,  concealed  remain. 


[43] 


SONGS  OF  THE  SOUL 


VARIETY 

I  sought  for  twins 
I  could  not  find; 
I  search  my  mind. 
No  twins  have  seen. 

They  seem  alike, 

Man  and  man,  beast  and  brute. 

Yet  no  faces  two  are  like; 

Ne'er  the  same  song  sang  the  lute. 

Ne'er  two  hearts  are  same. 

I  bow  to  each  new  form  and  name — 

Variety  complete. 

Through  forms  infinite. 

I  wish  that  I  were  you  and  he. 

And  all  at  once  what  I  would  be; 

Oh,  could  I  wear  at  will  all  terrene  minds. 

Like  robes  of  newer  kinds ! 


[44] 


SONGS  OF  THE  SOUL 


Then  would  I  flash  forth  varied  smiles, 
Or  languorous  walk  in  sorrow  robed, 
Or  charm  with  sparkling  wiles 
And  time  beguile; 

Or  march  with  martial  songs. 

To  right  all  wordly  wrongs; 

Or  wear  a  powerful  prophet  mind 

And  into  dust  earth's  sorrows  grind; 

Or  wear  the  youthful  hermit's  heart, 
To  scatter  love  and  strength  impart. 

I'd  wear  each  heart 

And  don  each  will  and  smiles  and  spend  my  pelf 
To  try  all  noble  minds  and  thoughts 
And  take  what  suits  myself. 

With  brain-born  nixes. 

With  marsh-marauding  hopes  and  pixies. 

With  every  elfm  thought  that  timid  trod  on  mind 

I'd  friendship  find. 


[45] 


SONGS  OF  THE  SOUL 


To  soul  of  the  New  in  things 
My  spirit  homage  sings. 
I  would  not  taste  the  same  nectar, 
Nor  twice  drink  from  th'  Immortals' 

Thy  presence,  0  Eternity, 
Show  Thou  in  endless  variety; 
Yet  change  not  me, 
Though  various  my  costumes  be. 


[46] 


SONGS  OF  THE  SOUL 


THE  BLOOD  OF  ROSE 

I  tore  the  rose, 

I  bled  its  slender  stem, 

Its  petals  quivered 

And  I  shivered; 

Yet  I  dared  to  rob  its  smell! 

My  heart  did  break  and  tell, 

"Thy  hands  are  soiled,"  and  mute  I  stood, 

Thus  self-condemned  and  stained  with  rose's  blood. 

But  I  know  now, 

I  love  the  rose 

More  than  its  wealth,  and  vow 
Ne'er  its  love  to  desecrate  or  lose. 


[47] 


SONGS  OF  THE  SOUL 


AT  THE  ROOTS  OF  ETERNITY 

With  sailing  clouds  and  plunging  breeze. 

With  swaying  trees  and  youthful,  stormy  seas. 

With  whirling  planets  I  wildly  play 

In  some  absorbing  way 

But  not  alway; — 

At  close  of  day 

Hay 

My  eager  hands  at  the  roots  of  Eternity 
To  seize  and  own  its  nectar  free. 


[48] 


SONGS  OF  THE  SOUL 


UNDYING  BEAUTY 

They  did  their  best 
And  they  are  blest, — 
The  sap,  the  shoots, 
The  little  leaves  and  roots; 
The  benign  breath, 
The  touch  of  light, — 
All  worked  in  amity 
To  grow  the  rose's  beauty. 
Watch  its  splendor, 
Its  undying  grandeur, 
The  Infinite  Face 

That  peeps  through  its  little  case; — 

Watch  not  in  grief 

Its  falling  petals  or  its  brief 

Sojourn  here; — 

For  its  career 

Done,  its  duty  ends; 

Toward  the  Immortals'  home  it  tends. 

The  sap  dried. 

The  summer  petals  fled. 


[49] 


SONGS  OF  THE  SOUL 


Its  body  pines; 

Yet  its  death 's  divine; 

Through  death  and  spurns 

Its  deathless  glory  won: 

The  rose  is  dead, — 

Its  beauty  lives  instead. 


[50] 


SONGS  OF  THE  SOUL 


THE  NOBLE  NEW 

Sing  songs  that  none  have  sung, 

Think  thoughts  that  in  brain  have  never  rung, 

Walk  in  paths  that  none  have  trod, 

Weep  tears  as  none  have  shed  for  Lord, 

Love  all  with  love  that  none  have  felt,  and  brave 

The  battle  of  life  with  strength  unchained, 

Give  peace  to  all  to  whom  none  other  gave, 

Claim  him  your  own  who  is  e'er  disclaimed. 


[51  1 


SONGS  OF  THE  SOUL 


PROTECTING  THORNS 

The  charm  of  the  blushing  rose 

Hides  its  stinging  thorns  beneath; 

Yet  without  the  wounds  from  those 

Thou  could 'st  not  snatch  its  wealth  with  stealth, — 

The  rose  with  thorns  unstained  with  blood, 

The  rose  that  sprang  from  earthly  sod. 

In  her  defense  the  thorns  do  sting. 
To  keep  thee  out  by  thorny  ring; 
Yet  the  perfumed  petals'  show 
Thy  drowsing  soul  doth  wake  and  draw: 
If  thou  dost  love  the  beauty  alone 
Why  would'st  thou  rush  to  bleed  from  prickly 
thorns? 


[52] 


SONGS  OF  THE  SOUL 


TATTERED  GARMENT 

Oh,  sing  no  plaintive  lay 
When  at  last  my  earthly  raiment  dies, 
Nor  let  ashes  tell  thy  tears  where  it  lies; 
Oh,  blow  my  tattered  garment's  dust  away ! 

The  dust  clean  washed, 
The  hidden  gold  beneath  will  show 
Itself  anew  all  bright  and  brushed, 
And  shine  somewhere  aglow, — 

And  wait  with  luring  lustre 

For  some  home-lorn  soul 

To  show  the  path  with  lightening  glimmer 

From  darkness  on  to  goal. 


[53] 


SONGS  OF  THE  SOUL 


IN  STILLNESS  DARK 
Hark! 

In  stillness  dark, 

When  noisy  dreams  have  slept, 

The  house  is  gone  to  rest, 

And  busy  life 

Doth  cease  from  strife, — 

The  soul  in  pity  soft  doth  kiss 

The  truant  flesh  to  soothe,  and  speak 

With  mind-transcending  grace 

Its  soundless  voice  of  peace. 

Through  transient  fissures  deep 

In  walls  of  sleep 

Take  thou  a  gentle  peep; 

Nor  droop,  nor  stare, 

But  watch  with  care 

The  sacred  glare, 

Ablaze  and  clear. 


[54] 


SONGS  OF  THE  SOUL 


In  golden  glee 
Flash  past  thee 
So  nigh. 

Ashamed,  Apollo  droops  in  dread 
To  see  that  lustre  spread 
Through  boundless  reach  of  sky. 


55  ] 


SONGS  OF  THE  SOUL 


NATURE'S  NATURE 

Away,  ye  muses,  all  away, 

Away  with  songs  of  finch  and  fay, 

Away  the  jaundiced  sight 

That  conflagrates  the  firefly's  light 

To  bonfire, — 

That  sets  ablaze  at  once 

Your  musing's  burning  lamps; 

That  ornaments  with  rhymes 

The  penury-stricken  looks  betimes; 

That  over-clothes  the  Logic  lord 

With  fancy-swollen  words. 

Away,  the  partial  love 

That  'boldens  nature  to  sit  above 

Her  Maker ! 

This  day  I  fasten  eye-lid  doors. 
With  absence  wax  my  ears. 

With  langour  all  congeal  my  tongue,  my  touch, 

my  tears. 
That  I  myself  may  pore 


[56] 


SONGS  OF  THE  SOUL 


Upon  the  things  behind,  ahead 

Of  the  darkness  'round  me  spread. 

I  lock  Dame  Nature  out 

With  all  her  fickle  rout: 

Somewhere  here 

In  the  darkness  drear 

I  myself  with  cheer 

My  course  will  steer 
In  the  path 
E'er  sought  by  all: 
Its  magnet-call 
I  hear. 

Not  here,  not  here 

Apollo  would  his  burning  chariot  steer; 
Nor  Dian  dares  to  peep 
Into  the  sacred  silence  deep. 

Not  here,  not  here 

The  mounts  nor  rebel  waves,  nor  far  or  near. 
Can  make  me  full  of  fear,  nor  evermore 
Their  dreadful  grandeur  adore. 

[continued] 


[57] 


SONGS  OF  THE  SOUL 


Not  here,  not  here 

The  soft  capricious  wiles  of  flowers, 

Nor  swarming  storm  clouds'  sweeping  terror, 

Nor  doomsday's  thunder  drear 

Dismantling  earth  and  stars. 

The  cosmic  beauties  all  to  mar; 
Dishevelling  of  trees 
And  light-haired  skies, 
Nor  nature's  murderous  mutiny 
Nor  man's  all-powerful  destiny 
Can  touch  me  here. 

Not  here,  not  here — 

Through  mind's  strong  iron  bars 

No  gods  nor  goblins,  no  men  nor  nature 

Without  my  pass  dare  enter. 

I  look  behind,  ahead. 

And  on  naught  but  darkness  tread. 

In  wrath  I  strike,  and  set  it  ablaze 

With  the  immortal  spark  of  thought. 

By  the  friction  process  brought 


[58] 


SONGS  OF  THE  SOUL 


Of  concentration 
And  distraction; — 
The  darkness  burns 
With  a  million  tongues, 
And  now  I  spy 

All  past,  all  distant  things  as  nigh. 

I  smile  serene 

As  I  expose  to  gaze 

In  wisdom's  brilliant  blaze 

All  charms  of  the  Hidden  Home  Unseen: 

The  Home  of  Nature's  birth, 

The  planets'  moulding  hearth. 

The  factory  whence  all  forms  or  fairies  start, 

The  bards,  colossal  minds  and  hearts, 

The  gods  and  all. 

And  all,  and  all! 

Away,  Away 

With  all  the  lightsome  lays; — 
Oh,  I  '11  now  portray 
In  humble  way, 

[continued] 


[59] 


SONGS  OF  THE  SOUL 


And  try  to  lisp  half-truths 

Of  wordless  charms  of  Thee  Unseen 

To  whom  Nature  her  nature  owes,  and  sheen. 


[60] 


SONGS  OF  THE  SOUL 


MY  KINSMEN 

In  spacious  hall  of  trance  I  spied — 
Aglow  with  million  dazzling  lights, 
Tapestried  with  the  snowy  cloud  — 
My  kinsmen  all,  lowly,  proud; 

The  banquet  great  with  music  rolls, 
The  drum  of  Om*  in  measure  falls, 
The  hosts,  in  many  ways  arrayed, 
Some  plain,  some  gorgeous  dress  displayed. 

Around  the  various  tables  large 
Of  earth  and  moon  and  sun  and  stars. 
The  countless  mute,  and  noisy  guests 
Observed  Dame  Nature's  feast  with  zest. 

The  tiny-eyed  and  shiny  sands. 
Thirsty,  drank  of  ocean's  life: 
I  well  remember  once  I  brawled 
For  a  sip  of  sea,  with  kinsmen  sands. 

*  Cosmic  vibration. 

[61  ] 


SONGS  OF  THE  SOUL 


Yes,  I  know  those  old  dame  rocks 
Who  rocked  me  on  their  stony  laps 
When  I  a  tiny  baby  tree 
Did  chafe  to  run  with  winds  so  free. 

The  green-attired  friends  I  know, 
With  rose  and  lily  buds  aglow; 
I  once  adorned  a  kingly  breast. 
Lost  life,  returned  to  mother  dust. 

I  know  the  ruby  redbreast  dear. 
My  blood  in  it  once  flowed  so  clear; 
I  smiled  in  diamonds,  gleaming  bright, 
I  danced  in  Roentgen  rays  of  light. 

A  ray  of  friendship  from  my  heart 
In  diamond  and  ruby  joy  did  start. 
The  bright  ones  smiled,  the  ruby  wept 
To  meet  their  long-lost  friend  at  last. 

The  soul  of  gold  in  yellow  gown. 
The  soul  of  silver  whitely  shone, — 
Bestowed  on  me  maternal  smiles 
That  told  they  knew  me  long  erewhile. 


[62] 


SONGS  OF  THE  SOUL 


The  lark,  the  cuckoo,  the  pheasant  sweet, 
The  deer,  the  lamb,  the  lion  great. 
The  shark  and  monsters  of  the  sea ! 
In  love  and  peace  all  greeted  me. 

The  leafy  fingers,  arms  outspread, 
Caressed  me  when  a  tiny  bird, 
And  fed  me  with  ambrosial  fruit 
That  drew  its  life  from  immortal  root. 

When  atoms  and  the  star-dust  sprang, 

When  Vedas,  Bible,  Koran  sang, — 

I  joined  each  choir;  their  long-past  thrilling  songs 

Still  echo  in  my  soul  in  accents  strong. 


[63] 


SONGS  OF  THE  SOUL 


OM 

Whence,  Oh,  this  soundless  roar  doth  come 
When  drowseth  matter's  dreary  drum? — 
The  booming  Om*  on  bliss'  shore  breaks; 
All  heaven,  all  earth,  all  body  shakes. 

Cords  bound  to  flesh  are  broken  all, 
Vibrations  vile  do  fly  and  fall; 
The  hustling  heart,  the  boasting  breath 
No  more  disturb  the  yogi's  health. 

The  house  is  lulled  in  darkness  soft, 
Dim,  shiny  light  is  seen  aloft, 
Subconscious  dreams  have  gone  to  bed. 
'Tis  then  that  one  doth  hear  Om's  tread. 

The  bumble  bee  doth  hum  along, 
Baby  Om,  hark!  sings  his  song; 
Krishna's  flute  is  sounding  sweet, 
'Tis  time  the  watery  God  to  meet. 

*  Cosmic  vibration. 


[64] 


SONGS  OF  THE  SOUL 


God  of  fire  is  now  singing, 
Om, — Om — his  harp  is  ringing; 
God  of  pranaf  is  now  sounding, 
Wondrous  bell  of  soul  resounding. 

Upward  climb  the  living  tree,  J 
Hear  the  sound  of  ethereal  sea; 
Marching  mind  doth  homeward  hie 
To  join  the  Christmas  Symphony. 

t  Vibration  of  life  energy. 
t Spinal  cord 


[65] 


SONGS  OF  THE  SOUL 


MYSTERY 

Burst,  inky  cloud,  do  burst. 
Fling  open  thy  fathomless  gloom! 
In  Thy  dark  chamber  must 
A  million  mysteries  loom. 

Heartless,  staring  sky! 
Make  quick  reply 

To  aching  query  of  my  straining  eye. 
Show  what  thou  hidest  and  why; — 
The  ceaseless  surging  thoughts 
Go  mocking,  dancing  by, 
I  deign  to  know  their  lot. 
Someone  did  throw  me  free 
To  battle  all  alone  in  this  rough  sea. 
Rudderless  I  drift. 

Stranded  on  shoals  my  boat  couldn't  shift. 

ril  burst  the  clouds,  I'll  clean  the  shoals, 
I'll  rip  the  sky  in  twain, 


[66] 


SONGS  OF  THE  SOUL 


I'll  break  my  heart, 

With  question  crush  my  brain — 

I'll  ask  and  pray, 

Will  beg  or  steal 

To  find  the  friends  long  stolen  away. 
To  know  their  woe  or  weal. 

This  wondrous  day. 

Stage  set  for  play 

By  Unseen  Hand, — 

The  players  drop 

From  no-man's  land, 

Then  vanish  away  or  stop 

With  changing  scenes  of  birth  and  death. 
The  drama's  on 
The  actors  play  anon 
Yet  know  not  why  they  play 
This  glorious  day ! 


[67] 


SONGS  OF  THE  SOUL 


SILENCE 

The  earth,  the  planets  play 

In  and  through  the  sun-born  rays 

In  majesty  profound. 

Umpire  Time 

In  silence  sublime 

Doth  watch 

This  cosmic  match. 

The  Author  of  the  great  game 

Assumes  no  spoken  name; — 

With  boundless  poise 

He  doth  His  will  without  a  noise. 
Ungrateful  moods  ignoring, 
Unkindness  all  forgiving. 

Truth  clearly  speaks  to  all, 
But  speaks  not  loud; 
They  hear  its  call 
Who  noises  enthrall. 


[68] 


SONGS  OF  THE  SOUL 


The  voice  in  threatening  silence  speaks 
To  those  who  error's  path  do  seek. 
The  tiger  may  be  tamed, 
Failures'  talons  can  be  maimed. 
All  friends  forsaking  reason's  way  be 

gained, 
Unruly  nature  trained 
By  powerful  silence  o'  unspoken  words, 
If  in  Truth  maintained. 


[691 


SONGS  OF  THE  SOUL 


IT'S  ALL  UNKNOWN 

Each  rose-bud  dawning  day, 
In  hourly  opening  petal-rays 

Doth  fair  display 

Its  hidden  beauty. 

The  petal-hours,  unfolding  smile, 
My  drooping,  lagging  heart  beguile. 
Day  spreads  its  petals  all 
Of  novel  hopes  and  joys  withal. 

The  rose-buds'  there, — 

"Today"  is  here; 
In  time  the  rose-bud  blooms, — 
While  lazy  day  often  glooms. 

Forsake  thy  sleep 

O,  Lazy  Day, 
Open  Thou  with  thy  full-bloom  ray 
To  chase  my  gathered  gloom  away! 

The  rose-bud  opened. 

The  day  now  smiled 

In  fullness  fine; 


[70] 


SONGS  OF  THE  SOUL 


Still  I  opine 

'Tis  all  unknown 
Just  why  the  rose  was  blown, 
And  the  day  was  drowned  in  night 

Then  raised  again  to  light 

Of  glorious  dawn, 
So  swiftly  marching  o'er  the  lawn! 


[71  ] 


SONGS  OF  THE  SOUL 


AT  THE  FOUNTAIN  OF  SONG 

Dig,  dig,  yet  deeper  dig 

In  the  stony  earth  for  fount  of  song 

Dig,  dig,  yet  deeper  dig 

In  soil  of  muse's  heart  along. 

Some  sparkle  is  seen. 
Some  bubble  is  heard: 
'T  is  then  unseen, — 
The  bubble  is  dead. 

The  watery  sheen 

Again  doth  show; 

Dig,  dig,  still  deeper  e'en 

Till  the  bubble  song  again  would  grow. 

I  hear  the  song, 

I  see  its  body  bright, — 

Yet  cannot  touch — I  long 

To  seize  it  now  and  drink  its  liquid  light. 


[72] 


SONGS  OF  THE  SOUL 


Bleed,  O  my  Soul,  do  amply  bleed 
To  dig  yet  deeper,  — dig! 

I  touch  the  holy  fount, —  rejoice; 

I  drink  its  bubble  voice 

My  throat's  ablaze, — 

I  want  to  drink  and  drink  always; 

The  sphere's  aflame 

With  my  thirst  as  I  came: 

So  dig,  dig,  yet  deeper  dig 

Though  it  seems  thou  canst  not  dig! 

I  thought  with  heart  aglow 

All,  all,  I  had  drunk  this  day. 

And  idly  looked  for  more,  deep,  deep, 

below, — 
But  lo!  undrunk,  untouched. 
There  the  fountain  lay. 


[73] 


SONGS  OF  THE  SOUL 


THE  EVER  NEW 

Newer  joys  adorn  the  day, 

Brighter  burn  through  livelong  night 

The  stars  with  purer  light, 

Brighter  thoughts  do  brace  my  voice. 

Newer  words  await  my  choice, 

With  heart  of  th'  new  I  '11  sing  my  lay. 

Wings  of  thoughts  would  ceaseless  beat 

The  sky  of  time,  and  race  to  meet 

Thy  distant  throne 

That  somewhere  is  alone. 

Each  and  every  day 
Men  choir  some  song 

Not  with  thoughts  the  same  but  a  changing  throng 
Of  newer  ones  that  make  Thy  greater  lay. 

The  bubbling  joy 

Of  each  little  boy. 

Each  brew  of  friendship  still 

I  steal,  and  with  them  fill 


[74] 


SONGS  OF  THE  SOUL 


Mine  cup  of  aged  heart 

With  ceaseless  thrills  to  start. 

Morrow  each  and  each  today 

With  newer  love  I  will  sing  my  lay. 

The  voices  same  do  sing  the  lay 

In  temple  church  and  fane: 

But  I  deign  ne'er  to  hear 

The  strains  all  stained  with  age-old  tear; 

My  fountain  flows  anew  today, 

With  newer  tears  will  flow  my  lay. 

In  the  same  old  church 

I'll  newly  sing  and  search, 

In  the  same  old  sermon 

For  unending  truths  and  newer  reason; 

In  the  same  old  organ  will  I  seek 

The  newer  hopes  of  new-born  week. 

Every  day,  oh,  every  day 
The  bell  will  ring  a  new  Sunday, 
And  bathed  in  Thy  beaming  ray 
With  newer  thoughts  I'll  sing  my  lay. 


[75] 


SONGS  OF  THE  SOUL 


THE  EVER-TRODDEN  PATH 

This  ever-trodden  path 

Where  travelers  all  of  earth 

Do  walk  in  joyous  haste 

Or  slothful  sorrow's  state 

I  walk  and  wonder, — 

In  truth  or  blunder. 

The  path  is  cleft 

To  right  and  left. 

In  front,  behind ; — 

The  diverse  ways'  I  find, 

Rewildered  am  I — 

As  baffling  mazes  do  they  lie; 
Still,  they  say 
There's  a  royal  way 

For  all — the  right,  the  error-wed,— 
'Tis  the  sub-way  path  of  ruby 
Which  far  beneath  lies  hid 
For  eager  eyes  to  lead 
Straight  on  the  feet 

To  where  all  paths  do  meet. 


[76] 


SONGS  OF  THE  SOUL 


THE  HUMAN  MIND 

I  love  to  roam  alone,  unseen, 
In  cities  of  the  human  mind, 
Untrodden  by  the  crooked  thoughts 
Vile-born, — unkind. 

Incognito  I  wish  to  wander, 
To  living  lanes  my  thoughts  surrender 
With  simple  wish  to  know  and  learn 
The  straight  nice  paths  and  danger  turns. 

I  wish  to  roam  in  mazy  lanes 
Of  dark  and  brighter  thoughts. 
With  love  to  all  and  harm  to  none. 
With  better  message  fraught. 

I'd  love  to  broaden  narrow  lanes 
Of  selfish  crooked  thoughts 
With  my  love's  true-building  brain 
That  I 've  within  me  got. 


[77] 


SONGS  OF  THE  SOUL 


I  long  to  soar  so  high 

That  I  at  once  may  spy 

The  narrow  alleys,  broader  roads 

Of  human  thoughtful  moods. 


[78] 


SONGS  OF  THE  SOUL 


THE  CUP  OF  ETERNITY 

The  traveler  of  the  endless  track 
All  weary,  thirsty,  sore  doth  seek 
To  quench  the  quenchless  mortal  thirst. 
The  wordless  worry  of  his  heart. 

He  spies  a  cup  — a  little  orb. 

He  tries  to  drink  with  joyful  sob. 

He  stands  aback,  the  cup  sets  down, — 

On  the  contents  scant  his  heart  did  frown. 

Yet  up  he  lifts  the  cup  again, 
But  fears  his  baneful  thirst  to  flame. 
When,  hark!  a  voice  of  counsel  deep 
Forbids  him  this  to  soil  with  lip. 

The  cup  so  small  to  mortal  eye, — 
The  cup  whose  depth  the  wise  can  spy 
Dries  up,  alas!  if  mortals  drink; 
Perennial  fount,  the  soulful  think. 


[79] 


SONGS  OF  THE  SOUL 


Now,  in  the  little  cup  he'll  see 

The  unsounded  deep  of  eternity; 

For  ageless  hours  and  endless  days 

The  ambrosial  drink  he'll  taste  and  praise. 

The  deathly  thirst  so  fleshly  born 
Ne'er  shall  parch  his  soul  again; 
The  cup  he'll  drink,  but  not  the  bane. 
To  quench  his  thirst,  and  bliss  attain. 
And  vain  would  mighty  north  winds  try 
Compassion's  gathered  tears  to  dry. 


[80  1 


SONGS  OF  THE  SOUL 


A  MIRROR  NEW 

I  bring  to  you 

A  mirror  new — 

A  glass  of  introspection  clear, 

That  illusions  shows  and  sooty  fear 

That  spots  thy  mind. 

Thou  wilt  fmd 

This  mirror  new 

Would  also  show  all  true 

The  "Inner  You," 
That's  veiled  in  flesh 
And  doth  ne'er  appear. 
Each  night  consult  afresh 
Thy  mirror  friend  and  clear  away 
The  dust  that  gathers  each  day. 


[81] 


SONGS  OF  THE  SOUL 


THE  SPELL 

Ah,  this  old,  old  nectar  of  night 

Brewed  below  by  Sun  God  bright! — 

Let  every  little  fleshly  cell 

That's  tired  and  thirsty  drink  it  well. 

By  soothing  spell  of  sleep  eject 

All  aches  that  heart  and  brain  infect! 

The  spell  quick  marching  on 

Fails  on  me  now  so  warm, 

And  robs  my  mind 

Of  hnked  thoughts,  to  bind 

Me  prisoner  in  its  charm. 


[82] 


PART  III 


SONGS  OF  THE  SOUL 


MY  NATIVE  LAND 

The  friendly  sky, 
Inviting  shades  of  banian  tree. 
The  holy  Ganges  flowing  by, — 
How  can  I  forget  thee! 

I  love  the  waving  corn 

Of  India's  fields  so  bright. 

Oh,  better  than  those  Heav'nly  grown 

By  deathless  gods  of  might. 

My  soul's  broad  love  so  grand 
Was  born  here  first  below, — 
In  my  own  native  land. 
On  India's  sunny  soil  aglow 

I  love  thy  breeze, 

I  love  thy  moon, 

I  love  thy  hills  and  seas, 

In  thee  I  wish  to  cease,  or  swoon. 

[continued] 


[85] 


SONGS  OF  THE  SOUL 


Thou  taught'st  me  first  to  love 
Thy  sky,  the  stars,  the  God  above; 
So  my  first  homage  meets, 

0  India,  at  thy  feet! 

From  thee  I  now  have  learn' d  to  see. 
To  love  all  lands  alike  as  thee; 

1  bow  to  thee,  my  native  land. 
The  Mother  of  my  love  so  grand. 


[86] 


SONGS  OF  THE  SOUL 


ON  COMING  TO  THE  NEW- OLD  LAND- 
AMERICA 

Sleeping  memories 

Of  friends  once  more  to  be 

Did  greet  me — sailing  o'er  the  sea, — 

Sensing  my  coming 
The  Pilgrim  Land  to  adore. 
The  distant  sleeping  shore 
Lay  in  the  twinkling  night, 
Dim  through  the  vanished  light, 
•  The  breeze  wafted  strong 

Strange  thoughts 
That  my  brain  did  throng, 

Hopes  sweet  and  richly  wrought. 

The  raven-winged  gloom  did  perch 
On  the  portals  of  my  mind  and  search 
My  soul,  my  strength  to  awe; 

Yet  crowds  with  joy  oh,  then,  I  saw 

[continued] 


[87] 


SONGS  OF  THE  SOUL 


Of  phantom  friends, 
Now  come  to  lend 
Their  cheer, 
And  end  my  fear! 


[88] 


SONGS  OF  THE  SOUL 


THE  TOILER'S  LAY 

From  school  of  life, 
From  bossy  duty's  binding  day, 
From  hours  of  dollar-strife 
I  wish  I  were  a  run-away! 

From  chasing  worry  hound 
I'll  fly  one  day, 

From  crowds  and  throngs  around 
I  wish  I  were  a  run-away! 

From  greedy  food 

That  steals  its  way, 

From  luring  dainties'  tempting  mood 

I  wish  I  were  a  run-away! 

From  homely  cups  and  chairs  and  couch 
The  call  of  grassy-bed  today 
My  heart  doth  snatch; — 
I  wish  I  were  a  run-away! 

[continued] 

[89  ] 


SONGS  OF  THE  SOUL 


From  nature's  given  cup, 

My  hollow  hands,  I'll  drink 

At  the  streamlet's  bounteous  brink; 

With  finger  forks  I'll  eat  the  meat 

Of  fresh  plucked  fruits  from  trees,  my  seat 

All  snug  beneath  the  shady  trees, 

Enliv'n'd  by  birds  and  bumble  bees. 

Fanned  by  mothering  air, — 

From  warmth  and  tear 

I'll  bathe  my  weary  mind 

In  new-made  joyous  day: 

Away  dish-washing,  cups  and  saucers,  all  away! 

For  just  a  day 
I  wish  I  were  a  run-away! 


[90] 


SONGS  OF  THE  SOUL 


CITY  DRUM 
'Tis  morn 

The  rolling  wheels  are  on 
Of  a  marching  world 
So  strong. 

I  love  to  be  roused 
From  a  silent  sleep 
By  the  early  hum 
Of  the  active  city  drum. 

The  drum  beats 
To  loudly  greet 
All  those  heroes  true 
That  would  die  or  do, — 
To  meet  the  morning's  foe 
Of  worry  or  of  woe 
With  a  dauntless  smile. 
And  thus  success  beguile 

[continued] 

[91  ]• 


SONGS  OF  THE  SOUL 


Unto  the  happy  camp 
Where  peace  e'er  burns  its  lamp. 
The  city's  drum 
With  its  noisy  hum 
Announces  true  and  strong 
The  world  is  marching  on. 


[92] 


SONGS  OF  THE  SOUL 


MOHAWK  TRAIL 

Welcomed  by  a  fresh  and  smiling  day, 
Usher'd  by  trees  benign  that  lay 
To  shade  our  bodies  from  the  jealous  sun, 
With  rubber  shoes  pressing  on  asphalt  road, 
With  softly  humming  noise  we  rode 
Through  Mohawk  Trail  where  Adam  lies. 
Unlike  all  other  joyful  rides 

When  mind  with  sameness  was  dulled  sometimes 

and  did  abide 
The  time  and  common  scenes  in  passive  mood. 
My  mind  was  now  so  full,  bright  and  good. 
A  strange,  unknown,  unthought,  new  thrill 
Did  steal  o'er  me  in  soothing  sweep  so  still. 
I  raced  with  wind  and  scattered  smiles 
That  played  with  sunshine,  spread  for  miles. 
My  secret  hoarded  joy  in  vault  of  soul 
I  extravagantly  did  spend  withal 
To  buy  new  nature's  gaudy  scenes 
That  one  hasty,  racing  peddler  brought  me  in. 

[continued] 


[93] 


SONGS  OF  THE  SOUL 


My  spirit  hemm'd  in  city's  narrow  walls 
Was  free  once  more;  all  nature  sent  a  joyous  call: 
The  waving  leaves  of  trees,  the  babbling  rill, 
The  impatient  wind,  sober  skies  and  hill. 


[94] 


PART  III 


FOREWORD 


The  eleventh  chapter  of  the  Bhagavadgita,  of  which 
"Vision  of  Visions"  is  a  lyrical  rendition  interwoven  with  an 
interpretation  of  its  spiritual  significance,  is  the  consumma- 
tion of  the  teachings  of  the  Book.  It  describes  how  the 
Lord  Krishna,  the  Warrior-Prophet,  blessed  Arjuna,  his 
devotee,  with  the  great  yogic  vision  of  the  cosmic  drama  of 
life  and  death,  enacted  on  the  Infinite  Body  of  the  Lord  by 
Himself.  Arjuna,  still  human,  was  perplexed,  being  unable 
to  reconcile  the  benign  aspect  of  the  Lord  with  His  destructive 
aspect:  doing  good  to  men  and  the  world  as  a  whole  on  the  one 
hand,  and  bringing  death  and  destruction  to  countless 
creatures  and  worlds  on  the  other.  It  has  been  shown  here 
that  life  and  death  are  both  momentary  scenes  in  the  cosmic 
drama,  meant  not  to  hurt  or  please  anybody,  but  designed  to 
afford  infinite  opportunities  to  the  Lord's  children  for  the 
attainment  of  higher  and  higher  states  of  evolution  through 
apparently  unpleasant  disturbances  caused  by  great  changes. 
The  relative  value  of  life  and  death  in  this  Drama,  which  is  a 
dream  in  comparison  with  the  Reality  of  the  Lord,  is  the  same. 
This  vision  represents  the  great  Cosmic  Law,  as  seen  not  from 
the  point  of  view  of  finite  creatures,  but  from  that  of  the 
Lord  Himself.  Hence  this  allows  no  room  for  the  finite 
questioning  of  Arjuna  as  to  whether  the  Lord  is  benign  or 
destructive.  To  Him,  to  destroy  life  is  not  an  absence  of 
benignity,  nor  to  give  life  a  presence  of  it,  as  is  the  case  with 
us.    The  Lord  views  life  and  death  as  forms  of  change  only. 


[97] 


SONGS  OF  THE  SOUL 


according  to  His  Cosmic  Law.  A  law  is  law.  It  has  been 
His  nature,  and  always  will  be.  There  is  no  question  about 
benignity  or  otherwise. 

Nevertheless,  it  describes  the  Lord  as  leading  this  Cosmos 
with  all  its  individuals  to  higher  and  higher  stages  of  unfold- 
ment.  Every  individual  is  expected  to  do  his  duty  unattached, 
with  the  consciousness  of  an  intelligent  agent  merely,  that  he 
can  reach  those  higher  stages  easily,  and  finally  be  in  tune 
with  that  Great  Being. 


[98 


SONGS  OF  THE  SOUL 


VISION  OF  VISIONS 

Beloved  Lord, 
Adored  of  gods, 
Behold,  behold 
Thy  body  holds 
All  fleshly  tenants,  seers  fine, 
The  diverse  saints  divine. 
.  Indwelling  mystery  cave, 
The  Serpent  Nature's  forceful  crave. 
Though  fierce  and  subtle,  now  is  tanie. 
Forgetful  of  her  deadly  game; 
And  Sovran  Brahma,  God  of  gods. 
On  lotus  seat  is  snug  secured. 
0  Cosmic-Bodied  Lord  of  worlds. 
Oh,  I  behold,  again  behold 
Thee  all  and  everywhere 
Thy  countless  arms  and  trunks  and  eyes! 
Yet,  drooping  dark  my  knowledge  lies 
About  Thy  birth  and  reign  and  presence  here. 

[continued] 


[99] 


SONGS  OF  THE  SOUL 


This  day, 

0  Blazing,  Furious  Flame, 
O  Blinding  Ray, 

Thy  focussed  power's  aglow:  Thy  Name 

Spreads  everywhere 

To  dark'st  abysmal  lair. 

Thou,  gilded  with  a  crown  of  stars. 

And  wielding  mace  of  sovereign  power, 

Thou  whirlest  forth,  0  Burning  Phoebus, 

Thy  evolution's  circling  discus. 

Immortal  Brahma,  all  Supreme, 

Thou  Cosmic  Shelter,  Wisdom's  Theme, 

Eternal  *Dharma's  guardian  true. 

Thou  diest  not  I  ever  knew! 

0  Birthless,  Fleshless,  Deathless  One, 

Unseen,  thy  endless,  working  arms. 

Thy  Ever-Watching  Eyes! 

The  suns  and  moons  and  staring  skies, 

Thy  Selfborn  Lustre  shields  from  harm, 

And  the  distant  creation  warms, 

0  Sovereign  Soul,  this  earth  and  gods' 

*Religion. 


[100] 


SONGS  OF  THE  SOUL 


All  high-abode  and  all  encircling  spheres, 
Directions  all,  and  earthly  sods. 
By  Thee  pervaded,  far  and  near. 
The  worldly  beings,  struck  by  fear. 
Thy  wondrous  form  adore. 
In  Thee  the  gods  their  entry  make 
With  folded  hands,  afraid,  some  pray  to  shelter 
take 

In  Thee.    The  seers  great,  on  Heaven's  path 

successful  ones, 
With  superb  hymns  of  peace  do  worship  Thee  and 

Thee  alone. 
The  eleven  lamps  of  Heaven, 
The  twelve  bright  suns, 
The  grizzly  Eight, 
The  starry  lustres  great. 
Aspiring  hermits,  gods. 
The  agents  of  the  Cosmic  Lord, 
The  twin-born  princes  strong, 
Of  valor  known  so  long, 
Two-score  and  nine  noil  breezes'  force, 

[continued] 


[101  ] 


SONGS  OF  THE  SOUL 


That  binds  the  atoms  close, 
The  long-passed  guardian  spirits  all, 
The  demi-goblins,  gods,  and  dembns  tall. 
Mighty  ones  in  Spirit's  path. 
In  wonder  all  behold  Thy  blazoned  worth. 
Colossal  arms,  Thy  countless  cheeks. 
Thy  starry  eyes.  Thy  endless  hands,  and  legs 
adorned 

With  lotus  feet,   Thy  chasmed    mouth,  with 
doomsday's  teeth 

Doth  yawn  to  swallow  swooning  worlds  around. 

And  leaves  a  distilled  joyous  awe  in  me. 

Thy  grandeur  I  and  all  are  wonder-struck  to  see; 

The  bowels  of  the  void  deep  are  filled  with  Thee 

Thy  diverse  hues  and  gaping  mouths  and  lustre- 
smeared  body, 

0  *Vishnu  of  the  flaming  sight. 

Directions  lost.  Thou  now  awest  me,  my  peace 
dost  fright. 

Ferocious  teeth  and  deadly  fire  do  howl 

In  mouths  of  Thine  which  at  me  scowl. 

♦The  principle  of  preservation. 


[102] 


SONGS  OF  THE  SOUL 


Directions  lost  and  gone, 
I  find  no  peace  alone. 
Cosmic  Guardian,  Lord  of  gods, 
Be  pleased  t'  accept  my  pleading  words. 
The  Ego,  Karma,  Senses  great  abide 
And  wait  to  leap  upon  our  Wisdom's  chiefs. 
And  yet  they  both  do  ride 
The  race  of  death,  to  fall  and  hide 
For  e'er  in  Thy  devouring  mouth. 
Adorned  with  crushing  cruel  teeth  uncouth. 
The  victor  and  the  vanquished  must, 
Thy  offsprings  both,  the  righteous  and  ungodly 
ones, 

Thy  love  still  claim,  yet  all  some  day  shall  kiss, 
the  dust. 

And  sleep  on  common  floor  of  earth. 
The  shattered  skulls  of  some  are  seen, 
As  caught  Thy  greedy  teeth  between. 

As  diverse,  restless,  watery  waves 

Of  river  branches  all  do  crave 

To  force  through  crowded  wavelets'  way, 

[continued] 


[103] 


SONGS  OF  THE  SOUL 


And  meet  where  Neptune's  home  long  lay, 

So  the  heroic  streams  of  life 

Do  plunge  to  meet  in  maddest  strife 

At  Thy  foaming  mouth  of  sea, 

Where  sparkling  lives  do  dance  so  free: 

As  insects  lost  in  beauty's  game 

All  swiftly,  thoughtless  rush  to  flame, 

So  fog-born  passion's  fires  pretend 

To  glow  like  Heav'nly  light  of  Thine, 

And  draw  on  mortals  to  attend 

The  trumpet  call  to  deathly  line. 

Thy  mouth  ablaze 

Doth  bring  to  gaze 

Its  leaping  tongues  to  lick 

The  angry  blood  of  strong  and  weak. 

Thou  Gourmand  God  dost  eat 

With  hunger  Infinite; 

0  Vishnu,  Thou  dost  scorch 

The  worlds  with  All-pervading  fiery  torch. 

Be  pleased,  0  Prime  of  gods; 

1  ache  to  know  Thee,  Primeval  Lord. 


[104] 


SONGS  OF  THE  SOUL 


0  tell,  Thou,  0  Fiery  Mood, 
Who  art  yet  so  good, — 
Thy  Royal  Will, 

1  know  not  still. 

The  Lord  sang: 

"Am  Endless  Doom, 

All  bent  to  room 

In  burning  maw 

Of  mine  the  weaklings'  awe 

And  all  the  mortal  meat 

Of  weary  worlds  of  deathly  change,  and  treat 

Them  with  my  nectar  life 

To  new  and  fearless,  better  strife. 

E'en  if  thou  dost  not  slay 

These  wicked  warriors  all  in  war  array. 

They  surely  certain  have  to  fall, 

Ah,  in  my  teeth-of-law,  withal. 

Arise,  awake!    Arise,  awake! 

Oh,  dash  to  war  thy  foe,  the  flesh  a  captive  make. 

And  seize  the  victor's  fame. 

With  battle-hunted  game, 

[continued] 


I  105] 


SONGS  OF  THE  SOUL 


Wealth  of  the  King 

Of  Peace,  and  Heaven's  Kingdom  bring. 

I  know  right  now  the  happenings  all 

Which  mystic  future  forth  doth  call, 

And  thus  thy  foes  and  warriors  true, 

Long,  long  ago  I  slew 

Ere  thy  agent-hand, 

That  I  would  wield  to  land 

Thy  foes  on  death's  dim  shore,  could  understand. 
My  agent  thou, 
Oh,  this  is  how 
I  work  my  plans  in  universe 
Through  instruments  diverse; 
'Tis  I  who  slew  and  yet  will  slay  the  senses' 
train 

Through  thee,  as  through  both  past  and  future 
ones,  my  soldiers  sane." 


[  106  ] 


TEACHING  BY  CORRESPONDENCE 


Lessons  by  Mail  may  be  Taken  in  the 
Following  Courses 

"Yogoda"  —  or  Muscle-Will  System  of  Physical  Perfection. 
Highest  Technique  of  Concentration. 

Write  for  Terms. 


Books  by  Swami  Yogananda 

Science  of  Religion.  The  true  psychological  account  of  inner 
culture,  concentration,  and  religion.  Know  about  your  ideal 
from  this  book.    Cloth  bound,  price  $1.00.    Paper,  $0.75. 

Songs  of  the  Soul.  Exquisite  poems  of  deepest  significance,  in 
charming  English,  including  "Vision  of  Visions,"  from  Bhagavad 
Gita,  a  lyrical  rendition  and  spiritual  interpretation  of  Chapter 
XI.    Boards,  full  orange  cloth.    Price,  $1.25. 

Psychological  Chart.    (In  the  press.)    A  complete  and  concise 

analysis  of  human  nature.    Helps  to  analyze  one's  own  states. 

Highly  recommended  by  Harvard  and  Calcutta  University 

professors.    Price,  $0.50. 
Yogoda — or   Muscle-Will   System   of   Physical  Perfection. 

Paper,  price,  10  cents.    (Postage  extra.) 


For  above  Lessons  or  Books  apply  to 
SWAMI  DHIRANANDA,  A.  M.,  Associate 

SAT  SANGA 
30  Huntington  Avenue,  Boston,  Mass. 


University  of  California  Library 
Los  Angeles 

s  mjE  (^%e  Jagt  jditte  .sapped  below.  ^: 


THE  LIBRARY 
UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA 
IjOS  ANGELES 


3  1158  00991  2873 


